Intern – Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Uncategorized

Access to clean water and hygienic living conditions is the bedrock of rural health and agricultural productivity. In the face of a changing climate, traditional water sources are failing, making the role of the WASH Intern vital in implementing resilient, life-saving infrastructure. By joining this mission, you will directly contribute to the survival and flourishing of farming communities, ensuring that innovation in the field translates into long-term human dignity and security.

Job Summary

The WASH Intern is a pivotal support role designed to assist in the design, implementation, and monitoring of water and sanitation projects across rural Nigeria. The successful candidate will bridge the gap between technical planning and community engagement, helping the foundation deliver sustainable hygiene solutions that integrate seamlessly with our climate-smart agricultural initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Field Support & Operations: Assist in the onsite coordination of WASH activities, ensuring project milestones are met within targeted rural communities.
  • Community Mobilization: Facilitate workshops and training sessions to promote behavioral changes regarding hygiene and the sustainable use of water resources.
  • Research & Documentation: Conduct baseline surveys and field research to identify community needs, documenting findings to support evidence-based project scaling.
  • Partnership Coordination: Act as a liaison between youth volunteer groups and local stakeholders to foster collaborative environments for project success.
  • Compliance & Ethics: Uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, ensuring all humanitarian interventions respect local customs and organizational mandates.
  • Technical Reporting: Support the senior program team in drafting progress reports for donor-funded initiatives, focusing on impact metrics and field challenges.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Academic Background: Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Bachelor’s program (BA/BSc/HND) in Engineering, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree is considered a significant asset.
  • Professional Experience: 1 to 10 years of experience (commensurate with the specific level of entry), preferably with exposure to donor-funded humanitarian or development projects.
  • Field Competency: Proven ability to work in rural settings and a strong understanding of field-based operational challenges.
  • Leadership: Experience in managing youth groups or community-based organizations is essential.
  • Core Attributes: Exceptional organizational skills, a research-oriented mindset, and the adaptability to thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments.

Why This Role Matters

In rural Benue, the intersection of water scarcity and agriculture creates a unique vulnerability. This position is important because it doesn’t just provide a “temporary fix”; it builds the local capacity to manage resources. Your work ensures that farmers stay healthy enough to work their land and that children have the clean water necessary to attend school, creating a ripple effect of resilience.

Benefits of Applying

  • Mentorship: Work alongside seasoned experts in climate-smart agriculture and humanitarian response.
  • Professional Growth: Gain hands-on experience in the lifecycle of donor-funded projects.
  • Impact: See the tangible results of your work in the improved health and livelihoods of rural families.
  • Networking: Build connections within the Nigerian NGO and international development sector.

Salary & Compensation

  • Expectation: Competitive / Commensurate with experience and consistent with NGO internship standards in Nigeria.

About the Organization

The Climate-Smart Farming & Rural Resilience Development Foundation (CSFRRDF) is a vanguard of sustainable development in Nigeria. Originally established as a digital hub for farmers, the organization evolved in 2025 to address the broader spectrum of rural stability. We believe that by merging cutting-edge digital innovation with traditional agricultural wisdom, African rural communities can lead the way in climate adaptation. Our mission is to build a future where every smallholder farmer is equipped with the tools, water, and knowledge to thrive in an unpredictable environment.

Application Details

  • Location: Benue, Nigeria
  • Application Deadline: Open until filled (Early application is encouraged)
  • Role Type: Contract / Internship

How to Apply: Interested candidates should prepare a tailored application package including:

  1. A Curriculum Vitae (Maximum of 3 pages).
  2. A Cover Letter clearly explaining how your skills align with the WASH sector and rural development.
  3. Contact information for two professional references.

Please send your application via email to [email protected]. Subject Line: Application – Intern (WASH)

Tips for Applicants

  • Highlight Fieldwork: If you have spent time in rural areas or volunteering on the ground, make sure this is prominent in your CV.
  • Focus on Impact: In your cover letter, don’t just list what you did; explain the result of your actions.
  • Research the Context: Familiarize yourself with the current WASH challenges specifically facing the North-Central region of Nigeria before your interview.